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Online RustE

  • Posts: 488
Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« on: December 28, 2016, 11:05 PM »
I came across the HK 55 EQ when looking around for what I might purchase with voucher from the Pro 5 Ltd sander (if it ever arrives).  My intention for this saw is to serve both as a portable sliding miter saw and as a track saw.  I have an older 10-inch Delta compound miter saw that continues to serve me well and do not currently have the space for a sliding compound miter saw.

My thought at this point is to get the HK 55 EQ and FSK 420 guide rail package then purchase the 55-inch guide rail later.  Hopefully the folks here can help with the questions below.

Q1: Does the HK 55 EQ use a Plug It cord?  My guess is yes, but the Festool USA website does not specify.

Q2: What is the blade speed of the HK 55 EQ?  The Festool USA website has 2,000-2,500 rpm (typo?).

Q3: Is there a piece of elastomer, rubber, or another softer material to act as bumpers for the FSK guide rail return mechanism?  Basically, a feature to avoid metal-on-metal impact during the reset cycle.

Q4: Is there any chance a Festool dealer would swap the 18T blade for the 32T blade?  I would gladly pay the $10 difference and prefer not to have a $50 blade collecting dust.
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Offline Untidy Shop

  • Posts: 2745
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2016, 11:37 PM »
This is my third attempt to answer this, the FOG has crashed each time.  [eek]
________________

Hi,@RustE  [smile]

Q1 Plug It

Q2 Aust model, 2000-5400RPM, 1200 Watts, 240V. The USA site only quotes the idle speed range of 2000-2500RPM.

Q3 The 240V models have an electronic blade brake. So I let mine stop, gently move it back to the stop, assisted by the Bungie Cord, and then lift off the work. The lack of a brake would make this process too lengthy in some work environments/places.

Maybe the anti kick stop might assist -
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/track-saws/stops-and-accessories/limit-stop-491582

http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/491582

But might also interfere with blade guard operations.

Q4 Keep the standard Blade. I have found it more than adequate for the deck construction work I am currently undertaking around our house.

My Makita Compound Saw has not needed to be used, the HK55 has covered all cutting tasks, even cutting 90X90mm TP stumps. I got the FSk 420 in the deal too, but for construction work, this can be too long and can cause balance issues. I am saving for the 250mm FSK.

There was discussion recently on another thread re plunge cuts. I think the TS55 is better suited by design. Re other HK55  uses on normal rails, as yet I have no experience from which to comment.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/hk-55-and-why-i-bought-it/msg488434/#msg488434
« Last Edit: December 29, 2016, 12:10 AM by Untidy Shop »
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Offline Samo

  • Posts: 598
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2016, 11:39 PM »
You will get many noligable people with great answers and opinions on the FOG.
😎
I'm not one of them but I will say, the dealers to speak with are Bob Marino or Shane Holland.
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Offline pixelated

  • Posts: 248
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #3 on: December 29, 2016, 07:31 AM »
The HK-55/fsk 420 and 55 inch rail is the kit I bought recently.

Yes, it has a Plug-it cord, it's a heavier cord than tools like the sanders use though, it will fit the sander, but the sander's cord won't fit the saw (there is a notch in the plug that prevents this).

Not sure about the blade speed, but I've not found it to be a problem, whatever it is. Yes, the spec as presented on the web site seems odd, especially compared to the battery version.

The retract mechanism on the FSK rail works smoothly and doesn't really slam anything back to the starting point. I don't know if there is a bumper though. I think the little sled that engages with the saw is plastic, the lever to release the saw is metal, and it doesn't have a bumper, but it doesn't seem to be a problem.

I was expecting to need a finer blade, but as Untidy Shop says, the standard blade produces a nice cut. I've not had any problems with tear-out on the hardwood ply I've been cutting with it.

It's a nice saw, I like it better each time I use it.

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Offline Cheese

  • Posts: 8008
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #4 on: December 29, 2016, 11:06 AM »
The US version of the HK, spins from 2000-5200 rpm.

I'm using the 18t blade on a HKC and the finish is surprisingly nice.
« Last Edit: December 29, 2016, 11:09 AM by Cheese »
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Online RustE

  • Posts: 488
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2016, 11:47 AM »
I am happy to see positive comments about the Plug It cord, blade speed, and cut quality of the 18T blade.

A comment from Untidy Shop made me stop and think about the benefits of having both blades (18T and 32T).  Typically, I use the 6.5-inch 40T Freud Diablo blade in my Makita cordless circular saw, rarely changing to the 24T Freud Diablo blade.  The blade in my Delta miter saw gets changed depending upon what I am cutting.  Based upon past experiences, I was thinking that only the 32T blade would be necessary in the HK 55 EQ.

Also have a few more questions:

Q5: Is there a dial in the motor housing to control the blade speed of the HK 55 EQ?  I would prefer not to regulate the speed with the trigger, which seems to be typical of some newer reciprocating saws.

Q5: Can the FS and FSK guide rails use the same hold-down clamps?

Q6: Can the TS 55 or Freud Diablo blades be used in the HK 55 EQ?  While the blade diameters are the same, the width of the HK 55 EQ blades is 1,8mm versus 2,2mm for the TS 55 and Freud Diablo blades.  I am not sure what impact this difference would have for the cut line markings on the base plate or the electronic motor controls (inertia change).

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Offline Untidy Shop

  • Posts: 2745
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #6 on: December 31, 2016, 01:34 PM »
@RustE
Re blades, the 18T with less teeth is probably better able to both cross and rip cut for construction tasks than the 32T. I understand that HK and TS blades are not interchangable. Others may confirm this. And yes there is a speed dial.

Happy New Year to all.
« Last Edit: December 31, 2016, 02:04 PM by Untidy Shop »
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If you don't like Signatures, just go to Look and Layout and tick No Signatures.

“The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you. There isn't any other test. If the machine produces tranquility it's right. If it disturbs you it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed.”
― Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

Offline Grakat

  • Posts: 237
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2017, 02:09 AM »
@Untidy Shop

The HK/HKC saws have a 1.6mm kerf whereas the TS saw has a wider kerf. This means the rear riving knife on the TS saw won't fit in the thinner blades kerf. However the TS blades can be run on the HK saw.
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Regards
Graham

Festool ETS150/3, TS55, CT26, DF500+ Domino set, PS300, HKC55, RO150

Offline Cheese

  • Posts: 8008
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #8 on: January 03, 2017, 10:05 AM »
Quote from: Grakat on January 02, 2017, 02:09 AM
The HK/HKC saws have a 1.6mm kerf whereas the TS saw has a wider kerf. This means the rear riving knife on the TS saw won't fit in the thinner blades kerf. However the TS blades can be run on the HK saw.

Actually the HK/HKC blades all cut a 1.8mm kerf while the TS/TSC 55 blades cut a 2.2mm kerf.
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Online RustE

  • Posts: 488
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #9 on: January 07, 2017, 10:44 PM »
Had time today to watch the YouTube videos from David Stanton and Peter Parfitt about the HK/HKC 55 saws.  Both gentlemen provided a very good explanation and demonstration.  The HK 55 EQ appears to be well designed, and I want one.

A local Festool dealer recently told me that the FSK guide rails are not compatible with the clamps for the FS guide rails.  While watching the YouTube videos, I noticed that the operator put his left hand on the edge of the FSK guide rail to help hold it in position.
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Offline Rip613

  • Posts: 18
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #10 on: January 26, 2017, 04:32 PM »
I've been using both the 18 and 32t blades on my HKC , as well as the 48t 2.2mm from my TS. I'd buy it with the 18 and buy a 48, when I need the better cut quality I usually use the 48.
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Online RustE

  • Posts: 488
Re: Some HK 55 EQ Questions
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2017, 08:18 PM »
Quote from: Rip613 on January 26, 2017, 04:32 PM
I've been using both the 18 and 32t blades on my HKC , as well as the 48t 2.2mm from my TS. I'd buy it with the 18 and buy a 48, when I need the better cut quality I usually use the 48.

Did the 32T not work well or just is not needed much?

Any noticeable power reduction with the slightly heavier and thicker TS 55 blade?
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